Gratitude for Hidden Gems

Today marked 48 days of walking, and wow, I feel really good—invigorated almost. I never thought in a million years that I would find bliss, ease, and creativity in walking (thanks, Libby!). There are so many surprises that emerge during these walks. While I was strolling today, I stumbled across horses, a beautiful lake cradled by a hidden path, and lots of geese having the time of their lives paddling about in the water. I felt so blessed and happy to bear witness to such beauty. At the halfway mark, I spotted a kind-faced older gentleman with his camera. He was taking photos of the geese. I'd stopped to do the same. There had to be 50 of them hanging out and chitchatting.

"Good Morning!" I said.

"Good day, beautiful day!" He replied with a smile.

"It sure is," I replied, walking by him.

The morning was perfect. Chilly but not unbearable. Windy but not uncomfortable. The trees were raining golden leaves, and everything in nature felt aligned.

As I walked by, the man stopped me, excitedly, and asked if I'd ever been to Frank Park—I hadn't.

"You must go! It's fantastic. An eagle is building its nest there. And the white horned owl babies have hatched!" He pulled out his phone to show me from a distance. The glee was unreal. His joy made me so grateful for this hidden gem of a park and kind humans.

"I'll go, for sure! Thank you for sharing." I replied, continuing my walk.

Making my way around the lake, I realized that it's the simple things that make me feel most alive and connected to the world around me. Kind dialogue between strangers, looking up and seeing birds soaring, and stopping to listen to the creek babble all feels perfect, good, and easy. And it reminds me to stay present. To keep paying attention to every color, every sound, every texture, and every person around me.

Often we walk through the world with our heads down, not watching where we're going or how we're getting there. These daily walks have shown me that I've been missing pieces of life over the years. I haven't truly been seeing or engaging with the world around me.

When I walk, I worry less.

My breathing is more intentional.

My eyes are open, looking, and seeing the wonders at my fingertips.

When I walk, I experience what I've been missing, and I am filled with gratitude that I'm present enough to see things from a new lens now.

I plan to walk until the end of the year. I know I'll get there and likely beyond. Recently, I bought snow boots because I walk in rain, snow, or shine. I mean, I don't have to, but how could I stop now? I cannot break the streak because of some minor weather changes! Then I would miss the hidden gems, friendly folks with cameras, and nature being mesmerizing.

I am excited to see how things continue to unfurl for me as I take each day by day and step by step.

Community, what are you grateful for this week? I love reading your emails (gratitude@alexelle.com) and comments. Keep them coming!

Calls to Action

Enjoy my Gratitude Meditations on the Ritual App here. You now get three mediations for free! Head over, unwind, and enjoy a moment of stillness and reflection.

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Want to see my documented morning walks? Head over to my Instagram here and watch the highlights titled WALKS and MORE WALKS.